Portugal Considers Changing Nationality Requirements: What Employers Should Know

Employers hiring international talent in Portugal may soon need to adjust their expectations around long-term residency and nationality. The Portuguese government has recently opened discussions on changing the rules for acquiring Portuguese nationality per time of residence - specifically, by increasing the number of years a resident must live in the country before becoming eligible to apply.

According to recent statements, the government believes five years may not be long enough to establish a meaningful connection to the country. While no new timeframe has been confirmed, the current five-year rule has officially been put up for discussion and may not last much longer.

What’s being debated?

Today, foreign residents can apply for Portuguese nationality after living in the country for five years with a valid residence permit. This period used to be ten years, then it was reduced to six, and finally to five.

In 2024, a new law was approved to make the process fairer by counting the residency period from the date the residence request was submitted, not from when the permit was issued. This was an important step, especially considering how long immigration processes can take. Some foreign nationals are forced to wait over a year for their permits to be processed - time that doesn’t currently count toward their nationality application.

AIMA (the Agency for Immigration, Migration and Asylum) takes into account the waiting time for permits when issuing the Certificate of Counting Time of Legal Residence. However, the final interpretation is up to the IRN and the Registry Offices. For this reason, that law has never been properly regulated. 

Now, the current government has openly stated it disagrees with both the five-year timeframe and the idea of counting residency from the date of request.

Why this matters for employers

For many international professionals, the possibility of nationality is an important part of long-term planning. If the timeline to apply is extended or becomes more uncertain, it could impact both hiring and retention.

It’s also important to consider the timing of the residence process itself. Immigration processes in Portugal are currently experiencing major delays - with more than 230,000 nationality requests still pending, even those eligible for nationality today may wait years before it’s granted.

Why timing matters

Portugal’s current political situation may delay any immediate changes, but the possibility of a longer residency requirement means timing could affect your employee’s path to nationality.

Processing times remain long, so starting a relocation or residence application now may offer more predictability under the existing rules. For international professionals building a future in Portugal, the right timing - and reliable support - can make a difference.

At Jobbatical, our expert local team supports every step of the relocation process, helping your hires settle in Portugal with clarity and confidence. With legal changes and process delays on the table, having the right guidance can make all the difference. Contact our local team for more information.